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Spring Graduates Walk at UTPB

UTPB held the Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 10, 2014. 402 graduates received their diplomas in three ceremonies held at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center.

Mr. Brooks Landgraf gave the commencement address at the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremony. Landgraf is an attorney and rancher in Odessa and representative-elect to the Texas House of Representatives from District 81. “You have worked diligently to be here today,” said Landgraf to the graduating class of 2014. “You are about to receive a degree that you have earned from the hardest working university around today. Your degree has empowered you to make a positive influnence in the lives of others.”

Provost and Vice President Dr. William Fannin gave the commencement address at the 5 p.m. ceremony. Fannin has held these leadership positions at UTPB since July 1, 1996 and has been responsible for administration, coordination and development of academic activities at UTPB. He will return to the faculty in June, 2014.

In his commencement address, Dr. Fannin congratulated graduates on beating the odds since only 1 in 4 adults over 25 years of age have earned a college degree. “Leave with confidence that you have the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to do great things,” Fannin added. “You have an obligation to use what you had learned to make a better Texas. Remember to thank those who had helped you achieve your diplomas and reach your goals.”